New path for Bell’s Reds: big change to ‘small ball’
During his life in baseball, Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell has never made the words “small ball” a part of his vocabulary.
He views the “small ball” label as inaccurate. There's nothing “little” about getting on base, moving runners over and running the bases aggressively. Bell was a “small ball” type of player during his MLB career, and he knows the importance of minding details.
Even if Bell doesn't use the term, the 2023 Reds are set up to play more small ball than any Reds team that Bell has coached. Between 2019 and 2021, the Reds prioritized power at nearly every position. Last year, the Reds had an older lineup with veterans who didn't have the skill sets to be impactful baserunners.
This year things are different. “It's not like I don't believe in all the things that add up to being called small ball,” Bell said. “For me, it's the personnel you have and tailoring all your strategies to what is the best fit for your team and not doing things that a team is not capable of. Trying to be really great at the strengths our team does have.”
The strength of the 2023 Reds' roster is athleticism and baserunning. Jonathan India, Jose Barrero, Will Benson, TJ Friedl and Stuart Fairchild all have the potential to steal bases often this season.
That's why, during spring training,
Bell and baserunning coach Collin Cowgill focused on that area more than the Reds had in any previous season over the last five years. One day during March, the Reds brought a bunting specialist into camp in Goodyear, Arizona.
During the Reds' 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, Cincinnati showed some early signs of this year's style of play. They played great defense. Tyler Stephenson embraced putting the ball in play during the first inning for an RBI groundout. India changed the momentum of the fifth inning by advancing from first base to third on a single by designated hitter Jake Fraley.
“Edge is how teams like us win,” India said.
The Reds have tried to build a team that can take advantage of the new rule changes in MLB. With restrictions on defensive shifts, hitters are encouraged to put the ball in play more often. With limits on the number of pickoff moves allowed and bigger bases, stolen bases are expected to increase.
The Reds don't have the power to match up with star hitters in the NL Central like Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Dansby Swanson and Willy Adames. The Reds are embracing a different style of play to make the most of their current roster.
“The action on the bases, baserunning (is) even more important,” Bell said. “I would anticipate being able to see a real difference in the type of game (we play).”